A major investment initiative is set to strengthen drinking water infrastructure in the Dutch province of North Holland as the European Investment Bank (EIB) provides €100 million in financing to PWN, the region’s drinking water company.
The loan, supported by the European Commission’s InvestEU programme, will help PWN modernize, expand, and protect its drinking water distribution network as the region faces growing challenges from climate change and increasing water demand.
The funding will support PWN’s 2026–2029 investment programme, which includes renewing, renovating, and installing around 750 kilometres of water pipelines. The expansion is expected to create capacity for approximately 35,000 new connections, helping ensure reliable access to safe and high-quality drinking water for households, businesses, and public institutions.
Climate change is increasing pressure on water resources, making investment in resilient infrastructure more important than ever. The project aims to improve water security by upgrading pipelines, modernizing service connections, and replacing outdated water meters while protecting freshwater supplies.
EIB officials highlighted the importance of supporting water utilities as they prepare for future climate impacts. The investment is also aligned with European goals to improve environmental resilience and support the transition toward a climate-neutral economy.
PWN plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and become a fully emissions-free and circular organization. The company is also working to reduce its carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2030 while continuing to protect natural water resources and surrounding ecosystems.
The project reflects broader European efforts to strengthen essential infrastructure through sustainable investment. By combining public support with long-term financing, the initiative aims to secure dependable drinking water supplies for future generations across North Holland.
